Have you ever heard of home remedies for your pet that call for Apple Cider Vinegar for dogs? If you’ve been wondering about the ingredient and whether or not you should try some of the natural treatments including Apple Cider Vinegar for your pup, this is the post for you. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about Apple Cider Vinegar for dogs and how it can help your pet.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar & How Is It Made?
Some people think it’s the same thing as white vinegar, others like to abbreviate it to APV, but whatever you decide to call it, Apple Cider Vinegar is a product that health-conscious people have been raving about for years. It’s not the same as most other types of vinegar, though. Because it’s made from apple juice that is combined with healthy bacteria and yeast to create a fermented liquid that’s full of living cultures. As the liquid ferments, it is transformed from sugary apple juice into alcohol and then after some time, vinegar.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Safe For Dogs?
Because Apple Cider Vinegar is made from dog-safe apples, water, and a blend of healthy bacteria, it’s completely safe for your pup to consume. That said, it is a bit acidic and can be tough to handle for most dogs unless it’s diluted. This is especially true if you are planning to use Apple Cider Vinegar as a topical treatment for your dog! So make sure you water it down before giving your pup the ingredient—which has a pH between 3.1-5.
But, it’s also this acidity that can seriously benefit your pet. Keep reading to find out why!
Apple Cider Vinegar is generally considered ok for dogs when you dilute it 50/50 and as long as you follow dosing guidelines based on your dog, his weight, and his health needs. Check with your Vet before feeding your pooch Apple Cider Vinegar for the first time. Ask how much is safe to feed your pet and discuss both feeding it to your dog and using it topically, depending on how you are hoping to use Apple Cider Vinegar for your dog.
The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar For Dogs
There are many reasons to consider Apple Cider Vinegar for dogs, but its acidity is one thing that can be especially helpful to your pet’s health. Fido’s digestive tract needs to be in perfect balance to function at its best. It is jam-packed with bacteria, yeast, and other living organisms that together make up his biome. If there’s an imbalance of healthy bacteria—too much of one or not enough of another—it can cause digestive discomfort and can negatively affect your dog’s digestion. Adding Apple Cider Vinegar to his diet can help rebalance your dog’s biome and can help soothe an upset gut.
Here are seven surprising ways Apple Cider Vinegar can benefit your pet:
- Digestive Health: As mentioned, Apple Cider Vinegar can help with digestive health. Fermented foods introduce healthy bacteria to your dog’s digestive tract, which helps support your dog’s digestive process.
- Urinary Wellness: Your dog’s urinary tract is also full of bacteria that need to be in balance, as well. Adding Apple Cider Vinegar to your dog’s diet introduces healthy bacteria to his body that can also positively impact your pup’s urinary biome. Plus, it’s been shown to help if your pup is experiencing some urinary discomfort and may even help prevent urinary issues from developing
- Allergy Support: Apple Cider Vinegar helps promote a healthy inflammatory response in your dog’s body which is key if your pup experiences seasonal allergies. Apple Cider Vinegar can be added to your dog’s diet to support him through an allergy reaction internally and it can also be used topically for particularly itchy or inflamed skin during allergy season.
- Immune System Support: Apple Cider Vinegar also supports a healthy immune system and helps keep your dog’s body healthy. The majority of your pet’s immune system cells live in his digestive tract, so any ingredients that help keep his digestive tract healthy can positively impact his immune function.
- Natural Antiseptic & Antifungal Properties: Apple Cider Vinegar has been shown to help with fungal issues and can even be used to help keep your pup’s skin clean if you’re concerned about infection.
- Supports Oral Health: Apple Cider Vinegar even supports healthy oral wellness for dogs. It can help keep your pet’s mouth fresh and clean and can even help prevent dental issues from developing thanks to its natural antiseptic properties.
- Healthy Skin & Coat: As mentioned, Apple Cider Vinegar can be used topically to help your dog’s skin and coat. This can be beneficial if your pet has a fungal infection, irritation, or another skin issue that is causing discomfort.
BONUS BENEFIT: As if there weren’t enough benefits to get you to consider adding some Apple Cider Vinegar to your dog’s life, the ingredient can also double as a totally pet-safe cleaner you can use around your home. Just like any other vinegar, it’s an excellent cleaning product and one that is gentle and safe to use around your entire family—four-legged friends included!
How To Add Apple Cider Vinegar For Dogs To Your Pet’s Diet
When you’re ready to give this superfood ingredient a try and add it to your pet’s diet, there are a handful of different ways you can do so. Some pets don’t mind the taste, even if it is a little bit bitter. Make sure you water the Apple Cider Vinegar down to a potency and dose that is safe for your pet and pour it into his dog bowl. It’s a seriously easy way to add it to your dog’s diet, but won’t work for every pet!
If your dog is not thrilled about the scent or taste of Apple Cider Vinegar, you can try mixing it into his current food or even baking it into some treats. Or, if your pup is still not crazy about those options, consider picking up an Apple Cider Vinegar supplement for your pet. Whether it’s a capsule, chew, or powder, you can easily add it to your pet’s daily routine and help him benefit from all that Apple Cider Vinegar has to offer.
PetHonesty Products That Contain Apple Cider Vinegar For Dogs
PetHonesty SuperVitamin+ Chews are formulated with Apple Cider Vinegar inside. They help with digestive wellness thanks to the ingredient and are backed by clinical research to support 15 areas of your dog’s health. There are probiotics inside, Colostrum, and even more ingredients that help your dog in this safe-for-everyday chew.
Sources:
https://www.thefarmersdog.com/digest/superfoods-in-your-kitchen-apple-cider-vinegar-for-dogs/
https://www.greatpetcare.com/wellness/apple-cider-vinegar-for-dogs/
https://wagwalking.com/sense/can-dogs-taste-apple-cider-vinegar
https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/care/non_traditional_healing/apple-cider-vinegar-for-dogs/
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/3-simple-ways-apple-cider-vinegar-can-help-your-dog/
https://betterpet.com/apple-cider-vinegar-for-dogs/
https://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/apple-cider-vinegar-for-dogs
